But, rest assured, this oops is intentional.
Thanksgiving has come and gone, so that means it's time for my annual "Get Me Through The Solstice" end-of-year ritual.This can be a difficult time of year. The racing season has come to a close for many of us. The daylight is on a downward spiral. The weather is a bit dismal. A little incentive to stay active through the holiday season never hurt anyone, myself included.
Enter: the Runner's World Winter Run Streak.
For the past eight years, that has meant a brief run streak for me. From Thanksgiving through New Years Day, I have run at least one mile every day...and I'm continuing that tradition again in 2021.
Believe me, there are a lot of critics out there who are anti-streaking (many of whom have never given it a try, just saying). I was once one of them myself, until I gave this streaking gig a go. I can honestly say I'd never do run streaking year-round. Ever. For a final hurrah to the year, though? Yeah, I'm good with that.
None the less, here are a few objectives with this year's Run Streak:
(1) Run every run outside.
This will be my seventh consecutive year of doing all of my runs outside. Fingers crossed we'll have seasonal weather (or even warmer!), and not any of that crazy Arctic Blast or Polar Vortex stuff. None the less, even if things get cold and nasty, I can tolerate (most) anything for a mile.
For the past eight years, that has meant a brief run streak for me. From Thanksgiving through New Years Day, I have run at least one mile every day...and I'm continuing that tradition again in 2021.
Believe me, there are a lot of critics out there who are anti-streaking (many of whom have never given it a try, just saying). I was once one of them myself, until I gave this streaking gig a go. I can honestly say I'd never do run streaking year-round. Ever. For a final hurrah to the year, though? Yeah, I'm good with that.
 | |
|
I first winter-streaked in 2013, and have continued every winter since (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020).
I totally respect that the notion of run-streaking doe not interest everyone, even for a short period. That's totally alright...I'm not here to pass judgment nor persuade anyone to change their mind. As I said, I was very much a skeptic until I gave it a try.
Last year, with my stress fracture rally-back in full motion, I had to take things easy. In all honesty, I really wasn't running much for distance (and certainly not intensity or speed) at that time anyways. I had no upcoming races on my radar, nor did I have any hardcore Fall races to recover from. Amazingly, last year went surprisingly well. Emotionally, I didn't experience any burnout or dread. Physically, I didn't notice any odd ball aches or pains, nor overuse injuries. Maybe I was just lucky, or maybe I've learned a thing (or several) during the previous seven Streaks to make the streaking work for me.
None the less, here are a few objectives with this year's Run Streak:
(1) Run every run outside.
This will be my seventh consecutive year of doing all of my runs outside. Fingers crossed we'll have seasonal weather (or even warmer!), and not any of that crazy Arctic Blast or Polar Vortex stuff. None the less, even if things get cold and nasty, I can tolerate (most) anything for a mile.
(2) Wear a different outfit for each run...no repeats!
I've managed to do this every year (I think). Of course, I have some favorite gear (#puffervests and #pompomhats and #headbands, oh my!), so there are oodles of possibilities for mixing and matching.
I've managed to do this every year (I think). Of course, I have some favorite gear (#puffervests and #pompomhats and #headbands, oh my!), so there are oodles of possibilities for mixing and matching.
(3) Maintain cross-training.
Duh! Cross-training is a given. A lot of these streak runs (almost half of them, actually) will be just one mile in distance, which really doesn't require much of a time commitment or effort. There will be plenty of time for some other fitness options without any excess wear or tear on my body (hello elliptical, stationary bike, and strength work!).
(4) Vary the pace/distance/time of day as much as possible so each run will be unique.
On my cross-training days, I'll probably be doing the streak runs either midday (at lunch) or after work. Since there will be some kind of other workout (most likely in the early morning), most of these runs will be easy-paced 1-milers. I have a slew of 1-mile routes...I can run them as out-and-backs, laps around my block, loops around other surrounding blocks, clockwise, counter-clockwise, figure-8's. The possibilities are endless.
On my cross-training days, I'll probably be doing the streak runs either midday (at lunch) or after work. Since there will be some kind of other workout (most likely in the early morning), most of these runs will be easy-paced 1-milers. I have a slew of 1-mile routes...I can run them as out-and-backs, laps around my block, loops around other surrounding blocks, clockwise, counter-clockwise, figure-8's. The possibilities are endless.
(5) Enjoy the simple experience of running.
Every run is a gift, after all. I'm extremely grateful for this special gift, and having the privilege of doing it on my own terms. What's more, each of these Streak runs will get me one day closer to the the Winter Solstice...which will lead me back to brighter days and warmer weather (eventually LOL). How's that for a plan?
Every run is a gift, after all. I'm extremely grateful for this special gift, and having the privilege of doing it on my own terms. What's more, each of these Streak runs will get me one day closer to the the Winter Solstice...which will lead me back to brighter days and warmer weather (eventually LOL). How's that for a plan?
What's made winter streaking work for me is that I respect it's a short-term challenge. It has a specific ending date, and I've never felt compelled to continue beyond that final day. I've never made it into a contest to see how many miles I can accumulate, or how fast of a pace I could crank out each time I laced up the shoes.
A few related posts:
Do you have plans for finishing out the year strong? Any goals on tap for 2022? Have you ever given run-streaking a try?
**Disclaimer**
Much of the text and some of the pics first appeared in a previous post, The Streak is ON!
I really like the idea of a 40ish-day running streak at the end of the year - such a great incentive to finish the year strong!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of changing outfits for the streak and to have no repeats! So creative!
You're inspiring me to add more colour to my outfits (and to ditch the ever so boring black running tights...)
Yes, by all means, Catrina, ditch the black! (Just kidding, LOL). I do have some black tight of my own, and they do go with everything...but they're b.o.r.i.n.g. Often times, I layer colorful or patterned inexpensive tights over them to give them a little more personality ;-)
Delete"Enjoy the simple experience of running" is the best goal and my favorite.
ReplyDeleteA 40 days running streak is also a good incentive to run outdoor despite the weather.
I am afraid I will follow a "streak program" of rest and recover .....
Hoping your rest and recovery goes well! That said, for myself (or any other runner who is doing the Streak), 40 days is a nice length of time for a daily commitment. It's not too long (so one can see the end in sight), but it's long enough that it takes some extra discipline.
DeleteAfter spending a few years sitting back on the couch and saying "how fun but I would never do a streak" this is my year! Normally I run 5 days a week, so I'm keeping my normal run schedule and just doing 1 mile on my normal rest days. So far I can tell you that I'm really loving the 1 mile days!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to have you streaking (virtually) alongside me ;-) Honestly, as long as one keeps the 1-milers easy (in between the "training" days), there's not too much of a risk of injury...says the gal who tends to get injured easier than she'd prefer.
DeleteNever a streaker but I do run outside all winter even though I don't like the cold. I'm glad I don't own a treadmill... it's a crutch.
ReplyDeleteI hope to reach 1000 miles each year. I have 68 to go so barring injury I should have no problem.
Goal for next year is the same.. Running lots of races and staying healthy enough to do them well.
I need to add up my yearly miles. I doubt I'll pass the 1,000 mark, but it's never been a priority for me. The hubby found the "reset" button for Milly a couple weeks ago, but I still haven't even fired her up for a walk, LOL. I'm kind of tempted to see if I could go the entire winter without needing her "services."
DeleteAs you know I'm anti-run streak BUT only because I know my body doesn't love it. I think anything that encourages people to move their bodies is a good thing. I'll be doing a few different challenges in December.
ReplyDeleteI agree, keeping our bodies in motion is key! Your challenges sound fun and will be great accountability vices, not that you need any, Ms. Peloton Queen ;-)
DeleteI've never done a run streak, but I want to one of these days! A shorter one like yours would be perfect. My husband did the RW Memorial Day-July 4th run streak a couple years ago and he loved it.
ReplyDeleteI love how you're adding in the challenge of running outside and in a different outfit every day! I'll enjoy this vicariously. Good luck with it!
Ha!! Well you're going strong on your yoga streak, as well as your blogging ;-)
Delete5) Enjoying the experience of running.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great point and so important and true. It sounds simple but is life-changing when we really hone in on what a gift physical activity really is. It's amazing that our bodies can perform these acts of strength and endurance. That we live in a place where recreational exercise exists - we're not walking kms every day to get water from a communal well. We CHOOSE to move our bodies for the physical and mental benefits. It's a gift and a delight! Thanks for reminding me of that...
Exactly! We are so lucky to get to CHOOSE to exercise. It's definitely something I don't take for granted.
DeleteI'm not a streaker because when I did try it, my legs didn't like it. It may have been due to the intensity of the running but I am a pretty active person so I get through the holidays pretty well. I do like the challenge you're giving yourself of getting all the runs in outside. Fingers crossed that there's no crazy winter storms this year!
ReplyDeleteKnock wood, this week has been most kind with temps in the mid-50's! I know it will not last for much longer, but I'm almost giddy with the pleasant temps ;-)
DeleteAt my age run streaking is definitely not for me - my body needs all the rest and recovery from pounding the pavement that it can get. Had I known about it when I was younger, I would have been all over it! Enjoy your streaking!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb! I'm really enjoying it now because there may come a day when my body will not like it either. I think it works for me because I don't have high-mileage weeks anyways, so adding a few extra 1-milers (on what would usually be rest days) isn't a big deal.
DeleteWhile I've embraced the shorter recovery run this year, and can see the allure of that -- I still have no desire to make it an every day thing! The thought of all that laundry -- I'm not kidding!
ReplyDeleteI have found that not racing this year (or last, LOL!), keeping my mileage low -- all the little niggles that I started the year with (and some that cropped up out of the blue) seem to mostly be gone.
Which is not to say that I plan to hang up my racing shoes forever, it's just the right thing for me right now,
May you have (mostly) fair winds and little snow so you can enjoy your streak outside, Kim!
Ironically, there really isn't that much extra laundry. It's cold enough, and the 1-mile runs go pretty quickly, that the sweating is really kept to a minimum. If this was a summer streak, that would be a different story, LOL! Fingers crossed I will have streak-friendly weather ;-)
DeleteNo run streak for me, with RA always looming in the background, there's no way I want to trigger a flare. I'm a fragile flower these days. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteRA definitely would be a game changer for streaking. Believe me, I don't take anything for granted. I'm grateful not to have challenges like that. For now, these once-a-year streaks are not invasive on my livelihood or well-being, so I'm embracing them.
Deleteas you know I am not a streaker but I will be cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deborah!! I appreciate all your cheering (and not just during Streak season) <3
DeleteI only did one run streak, last year throughout the month of October. It went well but I wouldn't want to do one much longer than that. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThese streaks are anywhere between 35-42 days (I think?), depending on where Thanksgiving falls. They're long enough to keep me disciplined, but not too long to become oppressive, thank goodness!
DeleteSounds like you've given your streak plenty of thought! Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you've made this an end-of-the-year ritual! I runfess that I thought about joining you this year to give it a try, but the day after Thanksgiving delivered icy rain and that put an end to that LOL Enjoy your streaking!
ReplyDeleteI did the Runner's World winter streak once and I really did enjoy it! But with my injury history, I no longer go for it since I'm more risk-averse these days! It sounds like you have a great plan for another successful streak!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a reasonable goal/streak! Good luck Kim!
ReplyDeleteYou've got this! I have been streaking for 184 days, with a different program. No way I could wear a different outfit every day, right?
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I wasn't much of a streaker either (did try this one a few years ago but stopped due to a coach's recommendation). So all runs need to be done outside, huh? I do hope we get good weather this Winter.
ReplyDeleteYou've got this! I am not a huge fan of streaks for myself, but several people I know have good experiences when they are shorter.
ReplyDelete